A windfarm protest group claim that a proposed turbine development around the heart of hillwalking country could affect tourism.

The group has been formed to oppose the siting of wind turbines at Balunton Hill and Glencaird Hill near the A714 road.

The objectors say that there has already been ‘excessive’ encroachment on this area, and the time has come to recognise that green energy cannot be pursued at ‘any cost’.

A spokesman for the Glentrool Against Balunton Industrial Turbines (GABITS) said visitors to the heart of Scotland’s south west could soon find their views of the Galloway hills marred by 125 metre-high (410 ft) wind turbines.

The spokesman said: “Popular tourist attractions such as the Merrick and its neighbouring hills, along with scenic routes around Loch Trool could be spoiled by huge turbines only 1800 metres from the forestry village of Glentrool and visible from much of the Cree Valley, Newton Stewart and beyond.

“All this despite the fact that the proposed windfarm site is bounded on three sides by the Galloway Forest Park – internationally recognised as a Dark Sky Park – and the UNESCO designated Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

“The group’s campaign already has support from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and The John Muir Trust.

“South Ayrshire Council has also raised objections over the development.

“The local communities believe that the time has come to recognise and protect their region’s assets, its natural beauty and heritage, not just for the present, but for the future too,” the spokesman added, “this windfarm on the very edge of the nationally recognised ‘Wild Land’ of the Southern Uplands should not be permitted.”

The planning application was submitted by Jacobs UK Ltd on behalf of Balunton Wind Energy Limited, which is registered at Companies House under an Edinburgh address.

When contacted by the Gazette the Barlunton Windfarm Company said it did not want to comment at this time.

Details of Planning Application 15/P/1/0189 can be viewed at Dumfries & Galloway Council Offices, or via www.dumgal.gov.uk/planning.

The protest group, Glentrool Against Balunton Industrial Turbines (GABITS), can be contacted at GABITS2015@outlook.com, www.facebook.com/groups/GABITS2015/

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